Iconic beaches of Sardinia in cinema

Sardinia, with its stunning beaches and breathtaking landscapes, has been chosen as the set for numerous cinematic productions. Its most famous locations, often characterized by untouched natural sceneries, have become iconic places recognized worldwide. This article explores some of the most representative beaches and locations that have served as backdrops for films, TV series, and advertisements.

• Budelli Island, famous for its Pink Beach, was used by director Michelangelo Antonioni in 1964 for his film Red Desert. This unique beach, with its colors shifting from pink to white, provided a natural setting that highlighted the beauty and poetic style of the director. The areas around the La Maddalena Archipelago are an ideal destination to discover a breathtaking landscape.

• Another famous cinematic beach in Sardinia is Cala Luna, located in the Gulf of Orosei. In 1974, Lina Wertmüller chose this location to shoot the film Swept Away by an Unusual Destiny in the Blue Sea of August, one of her masterpieces. With its wild nature, sea caves, and crystal-clear waters, Cala Luna is now one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Sardinia.

• Cala di Volpe, one of the jewels of the Costa Smeralda™, was selected for a memorable scene in The Spy Who Loved Me, the 1977 James Bond film. This beach, surrounded by lush vegetation and with turquoise waters, is famous for its beauty and the luxury it represents. The Costa Smeralda™, with its crystal-clear waters and exclusive environment, is one of the most renowned destinations in Sardinia, made even more iconic by its appearance in the James Bond film.

• The recent live-action production of The Little Mermaid also featured Sardinia as a backdrop. Golfo Aranci was used for some of the most spectacular scenes, including those depicting the fishermen's village. Cala Moresca and Rena Majore starred in many sequences, showcasing the natural beauty of Sardinia. These locations provided perfect settings to represent Ariel’s underwater kingdom and Prince Eric's island.

• La Pelosa Beach, in Stintino, is another location that made it to the big screen. With its crystal-clear sea and fine sand, it was chosen for the film From Ithaca with Love – The Odyssey, which reinterpreted the famous poem in a modern key. This area is one of the most appreciated by tourists, thanks to its extraordinary natural beauty and the tranquility it offers.

• Another successful series is L'Isola di Pietro, where Gianni Morandi plays a pediatrician investigating mysteries within his community. The series prominently features the natural landscapes of Portoscuso, located on the island of Sant'Antioco. The filming highlighted the beauty of the port and the tuna fishing station, which became key elements for the atmosphere of the show. These fascinating locations were chosen for their authenticity and Mediterranean charm, adding a unique touch to the series.

• The miniseries Catch-22, produced by George Clooney, also chose Sardinia as a film set. The main filming locations for the series were in the surroundings of Olbia, particularly in Capo Testa and Funtanaccia. These areas, with their spectacular cliffs and crystal-clear waters, were used for some of the most memorable scenes of the series, contributing to creating an authentic and captivating atmosphere.

Sardinia is not just a vacation destination but a true muse for cinema, having been chosen as the backdrop for unforgettable stories with its coastlines and breathtaking landscapes. Its beaches, such as Cala Luna, La Pelosa, and Cala di Volpe, have become unmistakable backdrops for world-class productions, making the region a destination that attracts both cinema enthusiasts and tourists seeking unique landscapes. Every corner of the island offers visual experiences that are hard to find elsewhere, and those who choose to explore these places have the opportunity to experience a reality that seems to have come straight out of a movie, filled with natural beauty and timeless atmospheres.